DUBAI

The emirate is located at the Persian Gulf in the desert, and its skyline has been in constant development since the 1970's. Artificial islands, marinas, luxury hotels, theme parks and even an indoor ski slope, right in the middle of all the sand and dunes, attract dollar millionaires from all ove the world. Moreover, the area offers constant sunny weather and a blue sky, magnificent beaches and the opportunity to get to know Arabian culture without without having to abandon Western standards. 85 per cent of Dubai's population are immigrants. Predictions for 2010 anticipate 15 million tourists.
It all began with a small settlement of pearl divers and fishermen. Starting from 1930, these professions lost a lot of their economic value. People turned to maritime trade, and starting from 1966 to the profitable crude oil business. The world is running out of crude oil resources, though, which is why Dubai counts on tourism as a new source of capital. The world's largest theme park and shopping mall, the world's highest building and the world's first multiple-room undersea hotel are scheduled to be constructed. Nowhere else do people pursue the motto "higher, faster, farther" more ambitiously than here.

Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (www.dubaiairport.com) is located approx. five kilometers outside Dubai City. 70 million passengers a year frequent the airport, which makes it the most important air traffic junction between Europe and Asia. Over 100 different airlines land at the airport and connect people to over 150 destinations worldwide. To reach the city center from the airport, it's best to take a taxi (€ 0.20 per kilometer) or the bus (approx. € 0.80 per ride).

Inner-city transportation
In spite of numerous traffic jams, most people in Dubai use their cars - gas is ridiculously cheap. Public transportation is limited to a bus network and the taxis. "Dubai Metro" is currently being constructed. A convenient and adventurous means of transportation are the wooden foot passenger ferries ("Abra"). They leave from the inner city in minute intervals to cross Dubai Creek, because there are no bridges. One ride takes less than ten minutes and costs € 0.20.

Dubai Museum
The Al-Fahidi Fort was built 200 years ago and is one of the city's oldest buildings. In the restored defense facilities, life in Dubai before the oil boom is re-enacted in an impressive fashion. Spectacular dioramas make the old charm of the souks (Arabian markets), the typical Arabian houses and activities such as pearl-diving come back to life. Moreover, you can take a look at arts & crafts, excavation items, ancient guns and traditional boats.
Al Fahidi Fort, tel. 393 71 51, Saturday through Thursday 8.30 a.m. - 7.30 p.m., Friday 1.30 - 7.30 p.m.

Emirates Towers
The Emirates Towers are two skyscrapers, one is called "Emirates Office Tower" (354.6 m), the other "Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel" (309.1 m). Both towers have a triangular ground plan, but only two sides of the triangle respectively are massy. The third side mostly consists of glass.
Sheikh Zayed Road, www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com

The promenade starts at Dubai Creek (Al Seef Street) during the cool hours after sunset. Water taxis cross the river in the night, and whole families leave their houses to take their children to the playground. When you have enough of the skyline and the traditional wooden boats, you will get hungry. Along the Right Bank of the river towards Ruler's Court, close to Dubai Museum, there is the "Bastakiyah Nights", a traditional restaurant with a lovingly decorated courtyard. After some refreshment with a big meal, mint tea and the popular "sheesha" (a water pipe), you can walk your meal off with a stroll towards Bank Street. To reach "Rock Bottom's" for a relaxing drink, you will have to deal with traffic noise for a short time. Here, the evening comes to an end. You will feel like you've got to know the real Dubai afterwards.

Antique Bazar
Heavy wood, showcases full of Indian art and cozily dark walls: this restaurant is probably the most authentic Indian establishment in the whole town and primarily serves delicious food to the liking of Indian customers. Any traces of homesickness are spiced away immediately. Your leftovers are wrapped up so you can take them home.
Khalid bin Walid Road, 4 Points Sheraton Hotel, tel. 397 74 44, opening hours 12.30 - 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. - 2 a.m. www.fourpoints.com/burdubai

Verre
Many locals appreciate this restaurant as one of Dubai's best establishments. The minimalist decoration might not be everyone's taste, but the simple ambience and the creative lighting emphasize Verre's most important quality: excellent food. The "Chef Specialities" that are served as little snacks between the courses are particularly creative. The desserts are delicious and the three-course menu is worth its price.
Hilton Dubai Creek, tel. 212 75 51

Burj al Arab
The city's primary landmark with its height of 321 m literally cannot be overlooked. The sail-shaped building is even higher than the Eiffel Tower and proudly claims to be the worlds's highest, most famous and most luxurious hotel. Gold-leaf suites, wide Carrara-marble bathrooms and dignified mahogany furniture that fill the 780 m² Royal Suites fulfill the highest standards in terms of 7-star luxury. A restaurant shaped like a sea aquarium, private elevators and Rolls Royce cars with drivers deliver the convincing proof for the fact that Dubai has the final and nouveau-riche say in terms of pompous and pretentious luxury.
tel. 301 77 77, suite from € 720.00, www.burj-al-arab.com

Double Decker Bar
This casual alternative yet hip jet-set nightclub is located at Rotana Hotel. Cheap beer and whisky coke promise a fierce hangover on the next day. The young international visitors dance to house, pop and rock music in the dark and smoke-filled rooms.
Al Murooj Rotana, Al Saffa Str., tel. 321 11 11, www.rotana.com

Boudoir
From the 7-star hotel right into the 7-star bar: the romantically playful interior of a decadent Parisian night club attracts celebrities from all over the world. Dark corners and ancient chandeliers create a baroque atmosphere. A picky bouncer at the entrance, the high society creme de la creme inside: this establishment is definitely only suited for the most elitist cocktail fans. A DJ entertains the audience until well past midnight.
Jumeirah Rd., tel. 345 59 95, opening hours 7 p.m. - 3 a.m., www.dubainightplanner.com/clients/boudoir.htm

The Dubai Shopping Festival attracts customers with cheap bargains every year. The impressive shopping malls are located right next to each other at the river. Among others, "Wafi", "Bur Juman Centre", "Lamcy Plaza", "Al Dhiyafa Centre" and "Karama Centre" can be found here.

Mall of the Emirates
The most famous designers offer their products to wealthy customers in one of the world's biggest shopping malls: Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Armani, Benetton, Hugo Boss. The selection is just like that of all the Western shopping malls. 400 stores anticipate the inevitable collapse of the credit cards. To relax a bit, you can sit down in one of the 65 restaurants.
Al-Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, at Burj al-Arab Hotel, tel. 409 90 00, opening hours Sunday through Wednesday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight, www.malloftheemirates.com

Bur DubaiSouq in Ali Bin Abi Talib Street deals in textiles, clothes, antiques and Bollywood DVD's.

Deira Gold Souq in Sikkat al-Khali Street attracts customers from all over the world. It offers precious rings, bracelets, artfully decorated necklaces in Arabic design and other noble-metal jewelry.

Heavy Arabian odors and also lighter perfumes by famous designers can be found at  Perfume Souq in Sikkat al-Khali Street. The flashy wrapping alone is worth being seduced by the sweet Arabian Nights odors.